Beloved Brazilian spot Casa is making a comeback at a new location, and it will be exactly as locals remember it.
Jupira Lee first opened the spot in the West Village in 1998, but she closed the restaurant in 2022.
“It was 25 years — I would see first dates, and then they would marry, and then I see the kids being born and then I see them going to college,” Lee said. “And I’m like: I’m getting so old here.”
When Lee originally closed the restaurant, she did not intend to return. However, her customers had been vocal about missing the spot.
“My first year, I was like there’s no way I’m going back — I’m so tired,” Lee said. “But everyone is like, ‘We miss you.’”
A twist of fate brought Lee to her new location in Tribeca at 157 Duane Street. One morning as she walked through her neighborhood to go to Pilates, she passed Khe-Yo — the Laotian restaurant that formerly held the space — and saw that it was closing. She spoke with the owner, who suggested she lease the space instead. Once Lee worked out the details, she decided to sign the lease.
“It was destiny,” Lee said. “It was like the universe just made me come this way at nine o’clock in the morning on a Sunday, and just do it. It’s crazy. I still can’t believe I’m here doing this.”
Lee’s goal is to bring back the same vibe and menu that kept her customers coming back. She even rehired the same chef, so the classic Brazilian dishes will taste the same.
However, there will be some additions to the menu. Lee and her team are adding boteco-style food to the menu. The boteco dishes will consist of small plates in the style of traditional Brazilian bar food.
The new space will not be undergoing any major renovations — only minor changes such as painting and decor aimed toward brightening the space. As a result, Lee expects Casa to be open by the beginning of October.
“The chef is the same. I’m the same. Same owner, same name,” Lee said. “If they missed me, I’m back here with the food that they missed.”
